Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has broken his silence on his
abrupt dismissal from Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly after a mere four games in
charge, suggesting that he and his technical team were not given sufficient
time to implement their vision.
Back in South Africa for Carling Black Label Cup duties, Riveiro shared his
perspective on his short-lived tenure with the African giants. He
acknowledged that while the results were not ideal, he believed the team was
on a positive trajectory.
“Sometimes, football is like that,” Riveiro told media in Sandton. “I know
we were not bad in a way that we managed to start playing the football that
we were looking for. We played four games in the league, only. I think one
of them was at a level that we should have been, the first game of the
season. But after that the team was progressing properly.”
With only one defeat in those four matches, the Spaniard felt the outcome
was a matter of trust and patience. “Not the best results… and that was
enough in this case for the club to not have the trust or patience with us
to continue with the project. It is part of the game. These things can
happen in football.”
When asked if he felt unfairly treated by the club, Riveiro was diplomatic.
He refused to criticize Al Ahly’s leadership, stating, “I have never felt
badly treated. I was treated like a professional football coach and that’s
all.”
He conceded that the decision-making power lies with the club, adding, “Ahly
is a big club, has been run by the same people for a lot of time already.
They are supposed to know what they are doing. It was their decision, it is
something that we can agree or disagree but it happens.”
Closing the chapter, Riveiro concluded, “It is already gone. It is already
behind and just looking forward.”
